Brother's Picker

When a folksy band from Grand Rapids came to town with a dog named Leonard, looking for a place to stay we immediately said, "Come on over."

We met Brother's Picker after dinner last weekend when they were playing a gig at Vandermill, a local cider mill & eatery known for their rich spirits, food & atmosphere. After a week full of coffee chats & deadlines, a relaxing dinner with tunes like this was just what I needed. They stopped by while my closest friends from home were sitting with Joel & me around the fire, catching up on each other's lives & planning more summer visits. The guys brought their music, new perspectives & a jug of Nunica Pine hard cider (soo good!) to our little nook in the woods. The night was full of good conversation as we huddled together on a Michigan summer night.

In the midst of it all, I had a moment. I saw my timeless friends—the ones I've been with through all the awkward & silly seasons as a teenager—& my fresh friends, the ones I met a few hours before & instantly connected with over blues riffs, best gardening practices & a solid Nunica Pine.

Then, I smiled with twinkling tears because moments like this don't happen every day but on this particular night, they did. It reminded me what all this hustle is for. I caught it in a glimpse of light from the flames. It was like a laugh from the deepest part of your belly, the one you haven't felt in a while because you forgot life has a sense of humor with all its shortcomings & shine.

You take a deep breath after that rejuvenating giggle, the one that soothed a part of your soul you didn't know was lacking & you realize what life is all about; to be with company that frees you as you fall asleep to twinkling lights & soft voices singing folksy tunes.

xo, Em.